IT IS nearly seven years since Lyn O'Byrne's beloved lurcher, Rhia, was stolen and she had given up hope of ever seeing her again.
Since then the veterinary nurse has moved from Kent to Brighouse and thought Rhia was lost forever.
But she was amazed to receive a phone call from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home's lost dogs and cats line telling her it had found the dog. The pair hav
e now been reunited.
Lyn said: "When I received the call I didn't twig why the lost dogs and cats line were calling me – I thought it might be something to do with my work. When they said they had a dog at Battersea called Rhia, registered to my name and address, I literally collapsed on the floor."
A year-and-a-half after Rhia was stolen, Lyn moved to West Yorkshire. Knowing how invaluable the microchip inserted into the scruff of Rhia's neck would be if she were ever found, Lyn updated Rhia's microchip number with her new address. It was through the microchip that Battersea was able to contact Lyn and let her know the good news.
Lyn said: "I can't stress enough to everyone with a dog or cat to get them microchipped. It's quick and simple and only costs around £15 to £20.
"Most importantly, update their details if they move house or change telephone number.
"If I hadn't changed my details when I moved to Yorkshire then Battersea would have had no way of contacting me as Rhia's collar and ID tag had been removed."
Scott Craddock, operations director at Battersea in London, said: "We are hoping Lyn's happy ending encourages more people to get their pet microchipped and update their details if they move."
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